The Interior of Exeter Cathedral

Even though he died aged just 27, Thomas Girtin is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in the history of British art.

Famed for his depiction of the English countryside, Girtin was equally adept as a technical draughtsman. He was able to capture complex and accurate architectural details. A skill which is ably demonstrated by this view of the interior of Exeter Cathedral from 1797.

Girtin must have sat in the nave of the cathedral, looking east towards the choir and altar. The scene is dominated by the soaring architecture of the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling in the world.

Girtin’s watercolour was acquired by RAMM in 2020 as it is the most informative view that survives showing the cathedral interior before the major changes undertaken by John Kendall in 1810-30.  It is a unique record of the box pews in the nave installed in the 1680s, the arrangement of organ pipes that were subsequently removed and the appearance of the nave floor before it was repaved.

You can buy a high-quality print of this work from Art UK.

Visual description: A view of the interior of Exeter Cathedral as if the viewer is sitting in the nave, looking east. The view focuses on soaring arches, carved stone columns and a vaulted ceiling. The altar and organ are in the centre. Beams of sunlight filters through stained glass windows. A scattered handful of individuals are sitting or standing in various places.